Tribune Publishing (TPCO) 10-Q 4 Nov 20 2020 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Nov. 02, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 27, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-36230
Entity Registrant Name	TRIBUNE PUBLISHING COMPANY
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	38-3919441
Entity Address, Address Line One	160 N. Stetson Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	Chicago
Entity Address, State or Province	IL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	60601
City Area Code	(312)
Local Phone Number	222-9100
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	TPCO
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		36,532,855
Entity Central Index Key	0001593195
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-27
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 188,668	$ 236,027	$ 588,253	$ 730,879
Operating expenses:
Compensation	64,888	83,066	231,981	276,583
Newsprint and ink	7,665	12,613	25,784	43,834
Outside services	61,982	77,549	203,193	241,787
Other operating expenses	32,400	42,163	97,891	123,604
Depreciation and amortization	9,360	11,261	28,702	34,993
Impairment	4,960	0	56,009	0
Total operating expenses	181,255	226,652	643,560	720,801
Income (loss) from operations	7,413	9,375	(55,307)	10,078
Interest income (expense), net	(176)	(57)	(391)	478
Loss on equity investments, net	0	(2,213)	(117)	(3,255)
Other income (expense), net	401	248	1,237	265
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	7,638	7,353	(54,578)	7,566
Income tax expense (benefit)	(853)	480	(20,619)	63
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	8,491	6,873	(33,959)	7,503
Plus: Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	(12,848)	0	(13,570)
Net income (loss)	8,491	(5,975)	(33,959)	(6,067)
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,824	1,150	5,316	3,037
Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune common stockholders	$ 6,667	$ (7,125)	$ (39,275)	$ (9,104)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to Tribune common stockholders, per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.25)	$ (1.09)	$ (0.29)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	0.18	(0.25)	(1.09)	(0.29)
Net income (loss) available to Tribune common stockholders, per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	0.18	(0.61)	(1.09)	(0.67)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.61)	$ (1.09)	$ (0.67)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	36,522	35,863	36,426	35,734
Diluted (in shares)	36,635	35,863	36,426	35,734

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 8,491	$ (5,975)	$ (33,959)	$ (6,067)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Amortization of items to periodic pension cost during the period, net of taxes	(21)	(60)	(65)	(178)
Foreign currency translation	(13)	(4)	(20)	(16)
Comprehensive income (loss)	8,457	(6,039)	(34,044)	(6,261)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,824	1,150	5,316	3,037
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tribune common stockholders	$ 6,633	$ (7,189)	$ (39,360)	$ (9,298)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Taxes on amortization of items to periodic pension cost	$ 8	$ 22	$ 25	$ 68

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2020	Dec. 29, 2019
Current assets
Cash	$ 89,992	$ 60,963
Accounts receivable, net	75,905	112,754
Inventories	3,056	4,820
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	24,712	15,114
Total current assets	193,665	193,651
Property, plant and equipment
Machinery, equipment and furniture	105,496	119,859
Buildings and leasehold improvements	78,049	86,403
Property, plant and equipment, gross	183,545	206,262
Accumulated depreciation	(99,913)	(84,530)
Property, plant and equipment, net, excluding advance payments	83,632	121,732
Advance payments on property, plant and equipment	1,365	2,181
Property, plant and equipment, net	84,997	123,913
Other assets
Goodwill	115,197	117,675
Intangible assets, net	56,917	69,165
Software, net	18,734	20,736
Lease right-of-use asset	56,502	99,480
Restricted cash	31,371	37,290
Deferred income taxes	8,715	6,911
Other long-term assets	15,429	13,457
Total other assets	302,865	364,714
Total assets	581,527	682,278
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	32,530	46,482
Employee compensation and benefits	24,903	36,305
Deferred revenue	37,466	42,773
Current portion of long-term lease liability	26,327	25,380
Current portion of long-term debt	6,974	105
Other current liabilities	22,348	24,317
Total current liabilities	150,548	175,362
Non-current liabilities
Long term lease liability	73,980	98,847
Workers’ compensation, general liability and auto insurance payable	24,243	24,192
Pension and postretirement benefits payable	16,690	20,338
Deferred revenue	2,051	2,504
Long-term debt	57	6,857
Other obligations	15,846	5,851
Total non-current liabilities	132,867	158,589
Noncontrolling interest	0	63,501
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 30,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding at September 27, 2020 and December 29, 2019	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 300,000 shares; 38,477 shares issued and 36,523 shares outstanding at September 27, 2020; 38,017 shares issued and 36,064 shares outstanding at December 29, 2019	385	380
Additional paid-in capital	180,819	177,957
Retained earnings	86,166	135,001
Noncontrolling interest	59,339	0
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,437)	(2,352)
Treasury stock, at cost - 1,954 shares at September 27, 2020 and December 29, 2019	(26,160)	(26,160)
Total stockholders’ equity	298,112	284,826
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 581,527	$ 682,278

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANC_2

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 27, 2020	Dec. 29, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	30,000,000	30,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	38,477,000	38,017,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	36,523,000	36,064,000
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	1,954,000	1,954,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUIT

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Common Stock	Common StockCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Additional Paid in Capital	Additional Paid in CapitalCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Retained Earnings	Retained EarningsCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Retained EarningsCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Non controlling Interest	AOCI	AOCICumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Treasury Stock	Treasury StockCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2018				37,551	37,551
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 30, 2018	$ 373,312	$ (1,787)	$ 371,525	$ 376	$ 376	$ 166,668	$ 166,668	$ 232,401	$ (1,787)	$ 230,614		$ 27	$ 27	$ (26,160)	$ (26,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	(4,736)							(4,675)				(61)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and RSU conversions (in shares)				67
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and RSU conversions	0
Stock-based compensation	5,737					5,737
Withholding for taxes on RSU conversions	(13)					(13)
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019				37,618
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2019	372,513			$ 376		172,392		225,939				(34)		(26,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	2,627							2,696				(69)
Dividends declared to common stockholders	(55,755)							(55,755)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and RSU conversions (in shares)				68
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and RSU conversions	0			$ 1		(1)
Stock-based compensation	2,914					2,914
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019				37,686
Balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2019	322,299			$ 377		175,305		172,880				(103)		(26,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	(7,189)							(7,125)				(64)
NCI carrying value adjustment	(14,853)							(14,853)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and RSU conversions (in shares)				220
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and RSU conversions	0			$ 2		(2)
Stock-based compensation	2,449					2,449
Withholding for taxes on RSU conversions	(1,525)					(1,525)
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Sep. 29, 2019				37,906
Balance at end of period at Sep. 29, 2019	301,181			$ 379		176,227		150,902				(167)		(26,160)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2019				38,018
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 29, 2019	284,826			$ 380		177,957		135,001				(2,352)		(26,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reclassification of noncontrolling interest ("NCI") from temporary equity	64,133										$ 64,133
Comprehensive income (loss)	(44,339)							(45,336)			1,020	(23)
Dividends declared to common stockholders	(9,305)							(9,305)
Dividends declared to NCI	(5,200)										(5,200)
NCI carrying value adjustment	(322)							(322)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and RSU conversions (in shares)				320
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and RSU conversions	0			$ 3		(3)
Stock-based compensation	1,592					1,592
Withholding for taxes on RSU conversions	(533)					(533)
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Mar. 29, 2020				38,338
Balance at end of period at Mar. 29, 2020	290,852			$ 383		179,013		80,038			59,953	(2,375)		(26,160)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2019				38,018
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 29, 2019	284,826			$ 380		177,957		135,001				(2,352)		(26,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Reclassification of noncontrolling interest ("NCI") from temporary equity	64,133
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Sep. 27, 2020				38,477
Balance at end of period at Sep. 27, 2020	298,112			$ 385		180,819		86,166			59,339	(2,437)		(26,160)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Mar. 29, 2020				38,338
Balance at beginning of period at Mar. 29, 2020	290,852			$ 383		179,013		80,038			59,953	(2,375)		(26,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,528							(606)			2,162	(28)
Dividends declared to NCI	(2,400)										(2,400)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and RSU conversions (in shares)				117
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and RSU conversions	0			$ 1		(1)
Stock-based compensation	1,540					1,540
Withholding for taxes on RSU conversions	(229)					(229)
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Jun. 28, 2020				38,455
Balance at end of period at Jun. 28, 2020	291,291			$ 384		180,323		79,432			59,715	(2,403)		(26,160)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)	8,457							6,667			1,824	(34)
Dividends declared to common stockholders	67							67
Dividends declared to NCI	(2,200)										(2,200)
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and RSU conversions (in shares)				22
Issuance of stock from restricted stock and RSU conversions	0			$ 1		(1)
Stock-based compensation	1,001					1,001
Withholding for taxes on RSU conversions	(504)					(504)
Balance at end of the period (in shares) at Sep. 27, 2020				38,477
Balance at end of period at Sep. 27, 2020	$ 298,112			$ 385		$ 180,819		$ 86,166			$ 59,339	$ (2,437)		$ (26,160)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Operating Activities From Continuing Operations
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (33,959)	$ 7,503
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	28,702	34,993
Impairment	56,009	0
Stock compensation expense	4,133	11,100
Loss on equity investments, net	117	3,255
Gain on sale of property	(5,060)	0
Deferred income taxes	(1,804)	(3,896)
Pension contribution	(2,501)	(1,929)
Postretirement benefits expense	(1,212)	(1,047)
Changes in working capital items:
Accounts receivable, net	39,073	41,601
Prepaid expenses, inventories and other current assets	(945)	(12,808)
Accounts payable, employee compensation and benefits, deferred revenue and other current liabilities	(39,581)	(46,289)
Other, net	(449)	(530)
Net cash provided by operating activities	42,523	31,953
Investing Activities From Continuing Operations
Capital expenditures	(8,615)	(13,866)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	9,459	0
Other, net	0	(718)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	844	(14,584)
Financing Activities From Continuing Operations
Repayments of capital lease obligations	(100)	(305)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(9,091)	(53,846)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	(9,800)	(3,400)
Withholding for taxes on restricted stock unit vesting	(1,266)	(1,538)
Net cash used for financing activities	(20,257)	(59,089)
Increase (decrease) in cash attributable to continuing operations	23,110	(41,720)
Cash flows used for operating activities from discontinued operations, net	0	(5,971)
Decrease in cash attributable to discontinued operations	0	(5,971)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	23,110	(47,691)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	98,253	141,507
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$ 121,363	$ 93,816

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BAS

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	NOTE 1: DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Description of Business —Tribune Publishing Company was formed as a Delaware corporation on November 21, 2013. Tribune Publishing Company together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “Tribune”) is a media company rooted in award-winning journalism. Headquartered in Chicago, the Company operates local media businesses in eight markets with titles including the Chicago Tribune, New York Daily News, The Baltimore Sun, Hartford Courant, South Florida’s Sun Sentinel, Orlando Sentinel, Virginia’s Daily Press and The Virginian-Pilot , and The Morning Call of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania . Tribune also operates Tribune Content Agency (“TCA”) and is the majority owner in BestReviews LLC (“BestReviews”). Fiscal Periods —The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December. Fiscal year 2020 ends on December 27, 2020, and fiscal year 2019 ended on December 29, 2019. Fiscal year 2020 and 2019 are 52-week years with 13 weeks in each quarter. Basis of Presentation —T he accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ( “ U.S. GAAP ”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Tribune as of September 27, 2020, and December 29, 2019, and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, and September 29, 2019, respectively, and the cash flows for the nine months ended September 27, 2020, and September 29, 2019, respectively. This includes all normal and recurring adjustments and elimination of intercompany transactions. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The Company assesses its operating segments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, “ Segment Reporting .” In the first quarter of 2020, the Company realigned its operations, combining the print and digital operations of its media groups together under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer, who is also the chief operating decision maker for Tribune, as defined in ASC Topic 280. As a result of the realignment, beginning in the first quarter of 2020, the Company no longer reports separate segment results for its print and digital operations. Prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2020, Tribune was managed by its chief operating decision maker as two segments, segment M and segment X. Accounting standards adopted in 2020 —In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets and requires the use of an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted this standard effective the beginning of fiscal year 2020 and the adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See Note 2 for additional information related to the expected credit losses. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Topic 740, Income Taxes , which simplifies accounting for income taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). ASU 2019-12 eliminates certain exceptions related to intraperiod tax allocation, the interim period tax calculation and deferred tax liabilities. ASU 2019-12 is applied prospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the standard effective the beginning of fiscal year 2020. See Note 11 for additional information related to the Company’s income taxes.

EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES

EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Credit Loss [Abstract]
EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES	NOTE 2: EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES Tribune holds financial assets in the form of accounts receivable that are primarily generated from advertising revenues, certain circulation-related revenues and commercial print and delivery revenues, and are grouped as such. The accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts are analyzed under the expected credit losses method. Payment terms vary by revenue stream. Classified advertising and home delivery circulation terms are usually prepaid with advertising having terms of 30 to 60 days. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of each customer’s financial condition, and generally collateral is not required For accounts receivable, Tribune uses an aging expected credit losses method that includes forward-looking qualitative factors when they arise. The Company has identified the market effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as a forward-looking qualitative factor to be considered. The Company uses an analysis of 24-months of collection and write off history to calculate historical loss percentages by aging group, which are applied to all accounts within the aging group. Specific reserves are reviewed and handled on a case by case basis. Accounts receivable balances outstanding for a year are reserved at 100%. As customer balances are determined to be uncollectible, the balances are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Included in the allowance for doubtful accounts are amounts for sales adjustments not related to expected credit losses; such as, rebates, billing adjustments, and returns. The credit loss expense was $0.4 million and $4.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, respectively, and is included in other operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). A summary of the activity with respect to the allowance for doubtful accounts for the nine months ended September 27, 2020, is as follows (in thousands) : Accounts receivable allowance balance at December 29, 2019 $ 9,674 Current period provision 4,585 Write offs (4,624) Sales adjustments, net (32) Accounts receivable allowance balance at September 27, 2020 $ 9,603 Accounts receivable, net, at September 27, 2020, and December 29, 2019 , consisted of the following (in thousands) : September 27, 2020 December 29, 2019 Accounts receivable $ 85,508 $ 122,428 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts 9,603 9,674 Accounts receivable, net $ 75,905 $ 112,754

LEASES

LEASES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	NOTE 3: LEASES Tribune’s leased facilities total approximately 3.6 million square feet in the aggregate. The Company currently has leased newspaper production facilities in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey, however Tribune owns substantially all of the production equipment. For printing plants, the initial lease term is generally ten years with two options to renew for additional ten-year terms. For distribution facilities, the initial lease term is generally five years, with options to renew either two or three additional five-year terms. For office space, lease terms range from two right-of-use (“ROU”) and the lease liabilities. Tribune subleases certain facilities that total approximately 0.1 million square feet in aggregate. The terms of these subleases are from two to ten years and expire between 2020 and 2023. Effective April 1, 2020, and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company withheld payment of rent related to a majority of its facilities and requested rent relief from the lessors in various forms, including rent abatement and deferrals, lease restructuring, or lease terminations. Payments have generally resumed as the Company completes the rent relief discussions as discussed below. The terms of the Company’s facility leases generally provide the lessors a number of remedies for late payment, including late fees, interest on amounts past due, the right to draw on any letter of credit supporting the lease, the right to terminate the lease with termination payments, including acceleration of certain future rents net of landlord mitigation amounts, or the right to terminate our possession of the facility, among others. The Company has been notified by a number of lessors that it is in default and certain of such lessors have formally filed complaints in their local jurisdictions. The Company is negotiating with such lessors on terms of the rent relief and the lessors’ remedies and is responding timely to all filed complaints. Below is a summary of information related to the Company’s leases (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Lease Cost: Finance lease cost: Amortization of ROU assets $ — $ 78 $ 131 $ 235 Interest on lease liabilities 29 26 86 78 Operating lease cost 5,292 7,314 18,483 21,560 Short-term lease costs 1,286 113 1,629 692 Variable lease costs 1,567 1,833 4,750 5,403 Sublease income (741) (864) (2,171) (2,436) Total lease cost $ 7,433 $ 8,500 $ 22,908 $ 25,532 Below is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information related to leases (in thousands): Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows used for operating leases $ 22,049 $ 22,289 Operating cash flows used for finance leases — 109 Financing cash flows used for finance leases $ 100 $ 305 ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 2,900 $ 2,930 Below is a summary of the weighted average remaining lease terms and weighted average discount rates related to leases for the nine months ended September 27, 2020: Weighted average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years) 0.3 years Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 5.5 years Weighted average discount rate - finance leases 5.75 % Weighted average discount rate - operating leases 4.69 % Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of the nine months ended September 27, 2020 , are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 2020, remaining $ 12,431 $ — $ 681 2021 27,570 6,949 2,217 2022 24,875 — 1,670 2023 15,166 — 1,629 2024 8,176 — — Thereafter 30,972 — — Total future lease payments 119,190 6,949 6,197 Less: Imputed interest 14,804 36 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 104,386 $ 6,913 $ 6,197 Rent Abatements and Deferrals In April 2020, the FASB staff issued interpretive guidance on the accounting for lease concessions that are related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune has elected to apply the guidance to the lease concessions that have been secured. As of April 2020, the Company began recognizing rent abatements or deferrals received from landlords as reductions in variable lease payments. This election will continue while these rent abatements or deferrals are in effect. Through September 27, 2020 , the Company has secured rent abatements and deferrals for approximately 13 leases. Lease Restructuring For the nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company has completed modifications for 14 leases. These modifications included various changes to the terms of the leases including rent abatements and deferrals in exchange for term extensions for periods of 3 months to 36 months. The impact of these modifications is not material. Lease Terminations The Company has negotiated lease terminations with lessors on 10 leases. These terminations include 3 leases for which the termination agreements were executed in the third quarter of 2020 but have lease termination dates subsequent to September 27, 2020. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company has recorded termination-related expenses, including forfeiture of deposits, past due rents, repairs, and early termination fees of $3.9 million and $4.3 million, respectively, and are included in other operating expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Lease Abandonment and Impairment During the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company permanently vacated 207,514 square feet and 247,426 square feet, respectively, of office and distribution space related to a total of 7 leases. The space was vacated as some of our locations have transitioned to long-term remote working arrangements. The abandonment of leased space is an indicator of impairment and the Company assessed the lease ROU assets and leasehold improvements for impairment. Estimates of fair value include Level 3 inputs which are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and are made at a specific point in time. To calculate the fair value of the vacated space, the Company used the discounted cash flows from estimated sublease payments, if any, and compared the result to the sum of the carrying values of the lease ROU asset and the leasehold improvements. The discount rate used is a marketplace lessor's expected rate of return. During three and nine months ended September 27, 2020 , t he Company recorded non-cash impairment charges related to the impairment of the lease ROU assets of $4.9 million and $7.7 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $0.1 million and $4.3 million, respectively, related to the impairment of the leasehold improvements associated to the vacated office space.
LEASES	NOTE 3: LEASES Tribune’s leased facilities total approximately 3.6 million square feet in the aggregate. The Company currently has leased newspaper production facilities in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey, however Tribune owns substantially all of the production equipment. For printing plants, the initial lease term is generally ten years with two options to renew for additional ten-year terms. For distribution facilities, the initial lease term is generally five years, with options to renew either two or three additional five-year terms. For office space, lease terms range from two right-of-use (“ROU”) and the lease liabilities. Tribune subleases certain facilities that total approximately 0.1 million square feet in aggregate. The terms of these subleases are from two to ten years and expire between 2020 and 2023. Effective April 1, 2020, and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company withheld payment of rent related to a majority of its facilities and requested rent relief from the lessors in various forms, including rent abatement and deferrals, lease restructuring, or lease terminations. Payments have generally resumed as the Company completes the rent relief discussions as discussed below. The terms of the Company’s facility leases generally provide the lessors a number of remedies for late payment, including late fees, interest on amounts past due, the right to draw on any letter of credit supporting the lease, the right to terminate the lease with termination payments, including acceleration of certain future rents net of landlord mitigation amounts, or the right to terminate our possession of the facility, among others. The Company has been notified by a number of lessors that it is in default and certain of such lessors have formally filed complaints in their local jurisdictions. The Company is negotiating with such lessors on terms of the rent relief and the lessors’ remedies and is responding timely to all filed complaints. Below is a summary of information related to the Company’s leases (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Lease Cost: Finance lease cost: Amortization of ROU assets $ — $ 78 $ 131 $ 235 Interest on lease liabilities 29 26 86 78 Operating lease cost 5,292 7,314 18,483 21,560 Short-term lease costs 1,286 113 1,629 692 Variable lease costs 1,567 1,833 4,750 5,403 Sublease income (741) (864) (2,171) (2,436) Total lease cost $ 7,433 $ 8,500 $ 22,908 $ 25,532 Below is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information related to leases (in thousands): Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows used for operating leases $ 22,049 $ 22,289 Operating cash flows used for finance leases — 109 Financing cash flows used for finance leases $ 100 $ 305 ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 2,900 $ 2,930 Below is a summary of the weighted average remaining lease terms and weighted average discount rates related to leases for the nine months ended September 27, 2020: Weighted average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years) 0.3 years Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 5.5 years Weighted average discount rate - finance leases 5.75 % Weighted average discount rate - operating leases 4.69 % Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of the nine months ended September 27, 2020 , are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 2020, remaining $ 12,431 $ — $ 681 2021 27,570 6,949 2,217 2022 24,875 — 1,670 2023 15,166 — 1,629 2024 8,176 — — Thereafter 30,972 — — Total future lease payments 119,190 6,949 6,197 Less: Imputed interest 14,804 36 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 104,386 $ 6,913 $ 6,197 Rent Abatements and Deferrals In April 2020, the FASB staff issued interpretive guidance on the accounting for lease concessions that are related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune has elected to apply the guidance to the lease concessions that have been secured. As of April 2020, the Company began recognizing rent abatements or deferrals received from landlords as reductions in variable lease payments. This election will continue while these rent abatements or deferrals are in effect. Through September 27, 2020 , the Company has secured rent abatements and deferrals for approximately 13 leases. Lease Restructuring For the nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company has completed modifications for 14 leases. These modifications included various changes to the terms of the leases including rent abatements and deferrals in exchange for term extensions for periods of 3 months to 36 months. The impact of these modifications is not material. Lease Terminations The Company has negotiated lease terminations with lessors on 10 leases. These terminations include 3 leases for which the termination agreements were executed in the third quarter of 2020 but have lease termination dates subsequent to September 27, 2020. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company has recorded termination-related expenses, including forfeiture of deposits, past due rents, repairs, and early termination fees of $3.9 million and $4.3 million, respectively, and are included in other operating expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Lease Abandonment and Impairment During the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company permanently vacated 207,514 square feet and 247,426 square feet, respectively, of office and distribution space related to a total of 7 leases. The space was vacated as some of our locations have transitioned to long-term remote working arrangements. The abandonment of leased space is an indicator of impairment and the Company assessed the lease ROU assets and leasehold improvements for impairment. Estimates of fair value include Level 3 inputs which are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and are made at a specific point in time. To calculate the fair value of the vacated space, the Company used the discounted cash flows from estimated sublease payments, if any, and compared the result to the sum of the carrying values of the lease ROU asset and the leasehold improvements. The discount rate used is a marketplace lessor's expected rate of return. During three and nine months ended September 27, 2020 , t he Company recorded non-cash impairment charges related to the impairment of the lease ROU assets of $4.9 million and $7.7 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $0.1 million and $4.3 million, respectively, related to the impairment of the leasehold improvements associated to the vacated office space.
LEASES	NOTE 3: LEASES Tribune’s leased facilities total approximately 3.6 million square feet in the aggregate. The Company currently has leased newspaper production facilities in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey, however Tribune owns substantially all of the production equipment. For printing plants, the initial lease term is generally ten years with two options to renew for additional ten-year terms. For distribution facilities, the initial lease term is generally five years, with options to renew either two or three additional five-year terms. For office space, lease terms range from two right-of-use (“ROU”) and the lease liabilities. Tribune subleases certain facilities that total approximately 0.1 million square feet in aggregate. The terms of these subleases are from two to ten years and expire between 2020 and 2023. Effective April 1, 2020, and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company withheld payment of rent related to a majority of its facilities and requested rent relief from the lessors in various forms, including rent abatement and deferrals, lease restructuring, or lease terminations. Payments have generally resumed as the Company completes the rent relief discussions as discussed below. The terms of the Company’s facility leases generally provide the lessors a number of remedies for late payment, including late fees, interest on amounts past due, the right to draw on any letter of credit supporting the lease, the right to terminate the lease with termination payments, including acceleration of certain future rents net of landlord mitigation amounts, or the right to terminate our possession of the facility, among others. The Company has been notified by a number of lessors that it is in default and certain of such lessors have formally filed complaints in their local jurisdictions. The Company is negotiating with such lessors on terms of the rent relief and the lessors’ remedies and is responding timely to all filed complaints. Below is a summary of information related to the Company’s leases (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Lease Cost: Finance lease cost: Amortization of ROU assets $ — $ 78 $ 131 $ 235 Interest on lease liabilities 29 26 86 78 Operating lease cost 5,292 7,314 18,483 21,560 Short-term lease costs 1,286 113 1,629 692 Variable lease costs 1,567 1,833 4,750 5,403 Sublease income (741) (864) (2,171) (2,436) Total lease cost $ 7,433 $ 8,500 $ 22,908 $ 25,532 Below is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information related to leases (in thousands): Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows used for operating leases $ 22,049 $ 22,289 Operating cash flows used for finance leases — 109 Financing cash flows used for finance leases $ 100 $ 305 ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 2,900 $ 2,930 Below is a summary of the weighted average remaining lease terms and weighted average discount rates related to leases for the nine months ended September 27, 2020: Weighted average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years) 0.3 years Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 5.5 years Weighted average discount rate - finance leases 5.75 % Weighted average discount rate - operating leases 4.69 % Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of the nine months ended September 27, 2020 , are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 2020, remaining $ 12,431 $ — $ 681 2021 27,570 6,949 2,217 2022 24,875 — 1,670 2023 15,166 — 1,629 2024 8,176 — — Thereafter 30,972 — — Total future lease payments 119,190 6,949 6,197 Less: Imputed interest 14,804 36 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 104,386 $ 6,913 $ 6,197 Rent Abatements and Deferrals In April 2020, the FASB staff issued interpretive guidance on the accounting for lease concessions that are related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune has elected to apply the guidance to the lease concessions that have been secured. As of April 2020, the Company began recognizing rent abatements or deferrals received from landlords as reductions in variable lease payments. This election will continue while these rent abatements or deferrals are in effect. Through September 27, 2020 , the Company has secured rent abatements and deferrals for approximately 13 leases. Lease Restructuring For the nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company has completed modifications for 14 leases. These modifications included various changes to the terms of the leases including rent abatements and deferrals in exchange for term extensions for periods of 3 months to 36 months. The impact of these modifications is not material. Lease Terminations The Company has negotiated lease terminations with lessors on 10 leases. These terminations include 3 leases for which the termination agreements were executed in the third quarter of 2020 but have lease termination dates subsequent to September 27, 2020. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company has recorded termination-related expenses, including forfeiture of deposits, past due rents, repairs, and early termination fees of $3.9 million and $4.3 million, respectively, and are included in other operating expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Lease Abandonment and Impairment During the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company permanently vacated 207,514 square feet and 247,426 square feet, respectively, of office and distribution space related to a total of 7 leases. The space was vacated as some of our locations have transitioned to long-term remote working arrangements. The abandonment of leased space is an indicator of impairment and the Company assessed the lease ROU assets and leasehold improvements for impairment. Estimates of fair value include Level 3 inputs which are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and are made at a specific point in time. To calculate the fair value of the vacated space, the Company used the discounted cash flows from estimated sublease payments, if any, and compared the result to the sum of the carrying values of the lease ROU asset and the leasehold improvements. The discount rate used is a marketplace lessor's expected rate of return. During three and nine months ended September 27, 2020 , t he Company recorded non-cash impairment charges related to the impairment of the lease ROU assets of $4.9 million and $7.7 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $0.1 million and $4.3 million, respectively, related to the impairment of the leasehold improvements associated to the vacated office space.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

REVENUE RECOGNITION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
REVENUE RECOGNITION	NOTE 4: REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods or services. Revenues are recognized as performance obligations are satisfied at either a point in time, such as when an advertisement is published, or over time, such as content licensing. The Company receives a significant portion of the payments from its subscribers in advance of the delivery of the content either in print or digitally. These up-front payments and fees are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt and generally require deferral of revenue recognition to a future period until the Company performs its obligations under the subscription agreement. The deferred revenue is recognized as revenue as the content is delivered. The deferred revenue is considered a contract liability under ASC 606. Amounts are recorded as accounts receivable when the Company’s right to consideration is unconditional. Therefore, the Company has no contract assets as defined under ASC 606. As of December 29, 2019, the Company had a contract liabilities balance of $45.3 million, of whic h $39.8 million h as been recognized as revenue in the nine months ended September 27, 2020. The Company’s revenues disaggregated by type of revenue is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Print $ 42,151 $ 71,387 $ 138,147 $ 227,054 Digital 15,432 21,831 50,013 66,484 Advertising 57,583 93,218 188,160 293,538 Print 75,594 82,992 233,907 254,482 Digital 12,736 7,606 31,690 20,562 Circulation 88,330 90,598 265,597 275,044 Commercial print & delivery 17,159 22,404 56,173 70,765 Direct mail 5,248 8,853 17,914 26,431 Content syndication and other 20,348 20,954 60,409 65,101 Other 42,755 52,211 134,496 162,297 Total operating revenues $ 188,668 $ 236,027 $ 588,253 $ 730,879 The Company generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within compensation in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Additionally, the Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations because the vast majority of contracts have original expected lengths of one year or less and payment terms are generally short-term in nature unless a customer is in bankruptcy.

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
CHANGES IN OPERATIONS	NOTE 5: CHANGES IN OPERATIONS The Company continually assesses its operations in an effort to identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiencies and reduce expenses. In the past these activities have included, and could include in the future, outsourcing of various functions or operations, abandonment of leased space and other activities which may result in changes to employee headcount. Employee Reductions During the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company implemented reductions in staffing levels in its operations of 79 and 647 positions, respectively, for which the Company recorded pretax charges related to these reductions and executive separation totaling $3.2 million and $26.2 million, respectively. Charges for severance and related expenses are included in compensation expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). The 2020 severance charge included reductions for 199 positions related to a Voluntary Severance Incentive Plan (“2020 VSIP”) initiated in the first quarter of 2020. The 2020 VSIP provided enhanced separation benefits to eligible employees with more than eight years of service. The Company is funding the 2020 VSIP ratably over the payout period through salary continuation. The related salary continuation payments began during the first quarter of 2020 and are expected to continue through the third quarter of 2021. The 2020 severance charge also included reductions for 141 positions related to the Company’s decision during the second quarter of 2020 to contract with a third party to outsource the printing and packaging of The Virginian-Pilot . The services were fully transitioned to the third party at the end of the third quarter. The related salary continuation payments began during the second quarter of 2020 and are expected to continue through the third quarter of 2021. Additionally, included in the 2020 severance charge is approximately $0.6 million related to the separation of the Company’s former CEO, which included continuation of his base salary for one year through February 2021, his bonus for 2019, and certain benefit continuation. During the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, the Company implemented reductions in staffing levels in its operations of 13 and 118 positions, respectively, for which the Company recorded pretax charges related to these reductions and executive separations totaling $0.9 million and $7.6 million, respectively. These reductions included 23 positions related to the voluntary severance incentive plan initiated in the fourth quarter of 2018. The related salary continuation payments began during the first quarter of 2019 and ended during the first quarter of 2020. Included in the 2019 severance charge was approximately $4.0 million related to the separation of the Company’s former CEO and two senior executives in the digital space. Each of these employees had employment contracts which provided for immediate payout of any contractual compensation under the employment agreement in the event of separation. These employment agreements were amended to permit payment of the severance as salary continuation over the remainder of 2019, during which time equity-based awards continued to vest. The severance payments to these executives, including compensation and medical benefits, if any, were accrued in the first quarter of 2019. Additionally, as a result of the separation the Company recognized accelerated stock-based compensation expense during the six months ended June 30, 2019, of $1.5 million. A summary of the activity with respect to the Company’s severance accrual for the nine months ended September 27, 2020, is as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 29, 2019 $ 2,580 Provision 26,244 Payments (19,602) Balance at September 27, 2020 $ 9,222 Subsequent to September 27, 2020, the Company announced it would contract with a third party to outsource the printing and packaging of the Hartford Courant which will result in a reduction of 148 positions with an estimated severance charge of $2.3 million. The services will be fully transitioned to the third party at the end of the fourth quarter. The related salary continuation payments will begin in the fourth quarter of 2020 and are expected to continue through the first quarter of 2022. Other Changes On July 23, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to sell real property located in Norfolk, Virginia for a cash sales price of $9.5 million. The sale closed on January 22, 2020. The Company received net proceeds of $9.0 million and recorded a pre-tax gain during the nine months ended September 27, 2020, of $5.2 million related to the sale. The gain is included as a reduction in other operating expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). As a result of the printing and packaging outsourcing at The Virginian-Pilot discussed above, certain assets required to print and package The Virginian-Pilot will no longer be used as of the transition date, therefore the Company recognized accelerated depreciation on the equipment. As a result, the Company recognized $2.2 million and $4.5 million in accelerated depreciation in the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, respectively . These charges are included in depreciation and amortization expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). As a result of the printing and packaging outsourcing at the Hartford Courant discussed above, certain assets required to print and package the Hartford Courant will no longer be used as of the transition date. The Company expects to recognize accelerated depreciation on the equipment in the fourth quarter of 2020 of $1.2 million. On November 2, 2020, the Company completed the sale of real property located in Virginia Beach, Virginia for a cash sales price of $5.2 million. The Company received net proceeds of $4.9 million and expects to record a pre-tax gain of $1.3 million related to the sale in the fourth quarter of 2020. Additionally, the Company leased back 39,975 square feet for a distribution center at $0.2 million per year for an initial term of two years with an option to renew for an additional two years.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	NOTE 6: DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS On June 18, 2018, the Company completed the sale of the Los Angeles Times , The San Diego Union-Tribune and various other titles of the Company’s California properties (“California Properties”) to Nant Capital, LLC (“Nant Capital”) for an aggregate purchase price of $500.0 million in cash, plus the assumption of unfunded pension liabilities related to the San Diego Pension Plan, less a post-closing working capital adjustment to the buyer of $9.7 million (the "Nant Transaction"). As part of the Nant Transaction, the Company provided Nant Capital indemnification with respect to certain legal matters which were at various states of adjudication at the date of the sale. On August 19, 2019, the Los Angeles Times received an unfavorable jury verdict in an indemnified employment litigation matter. The Company successfully challenged the jury verdict by post-trial motions, and as a result, the verdict has been set aside and a new trial has been ordered. During the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, the Company made adjustments to certain reserves related to indemnified liabilities of $17.8 million and $18.8 million, respectively. Additionally, $4.9 million and $5.2 million in tax benefits were recorded during the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, respectively. There was no income or loss from discontinued operations in the nine months ended September 27, 2020.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	NOTE 7: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Transition Services Agreement with NantMedia Holdings, LLC In connection with the closing of the Nant Transaction, the Company entered into a transition services agreement (“TSA”) with NantMedia Holdings, LLC (“NantMedia”), providing for up to twelve months of transition services between the parties at negotiated rates approximating cost. On January 17, 2019, this agreement was amended to extend the date of the TSA to June 30, 2020. As the operational transition winds-down, there are certain costs that the Company paid on behalf of NantMedia due to commingled contracts and processes. Such costs include newsprint, rent, benefits, and other operating activities. The TSA provides for reimbursement to the Company for such charges until the contracts and processes can be separated. Additionally, the Company receives some revenue payments related to commingled revenue contracts that include the California Properties. These payments are reimbursed to NantMedia. A summary of the activity with respect to the TSA is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Accounts receivable from Nant Capital beginning balance $ 5,241 $ 8,967 $ 6,118 $ 17,909 Revenue for TSA services (182) 4,061 2,497 17,014 Reimbursable costs 581 9,123 27,863 38,801 Amounts received for TSA services (159) (5,467) (3,112) (17,870) Amounts received for reimbursable costs (4,014) (9,694) (32,312) (49,706) Amounts reimbursed to Nant for amounts collected from third parties under commingled revenue contracts 208 4,104 1,179 17,180 Amounts collected from third parties under commingled revenue contracts (1,020) (3,307) (1,578) (15,541) Accounts receivable balance from NantMedia at quarter end (1) $ 655 $ 7,787 $ 655 $ 7,787

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	NOTE 8: INVENTORIES Inventories at September 27, 2020, and December 29, 2019, consisted of the following (in thousands): September 27, 2020 December 29, 2019 Newsprint $ 2,682 $ 4,510 Supplies and other 374 310 Total inventories $ 3,056 $ 4,820 Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value determined using the first-in, first-out basis for all inventories.

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

LONG-LIVED ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
LONG-LIVED ASSETS	NOTE 9: LONG-LIVED ASSETS Tribune reviews long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and lease ROU assets for impairment annually on the first day of the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired, in accordance with ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” For the first quarter of 2020, the Company identified the market effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as an economic indicator that an interim evaluation was required for certain asset groups. Under ASC Topic 360, an impairment exists if the carrying value of an asset group exceeds its fair value and is considered not recoverable. As a result of the Company’s evaluation, the Company determined the carrying value for the long-lived assets for the New York Daily News Media Group were impaired. To determine the fair value of the long-lived assets for the New York Daily News , the Company valued the production assets and real estate using the market approach. The remaining assets were valued under an income approach. Estimates of fair value include Level 3 inputs as they are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and are made at a specific point in time. Thus, changes in key assumptions from period to period could significantly affect the estimates of fair value. During the nine months ended September 27, 2020 , the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $16.1 million related to property, plant and equipment, $14.5 million related to lease ROU assets and $4.0 million related to other long-lived assets. The impairment charges resulted primarily from a decline in the fair value due to lower projected cash flows versus historical estimates.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	NOTE 10: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and other intangible assets at September 27, 2020, and December 29, 2019, consisted of the following (in thousands): September 27, 2020 December 29, 2019 Gross Amount Accumulated Net Amount Gross Amount Accumulated Net Amount Goodwill $ 115,197 $ 115,197 $ 117,675 $ 117,675 Newspaper mastheads (1) $ 27,735 $ — $ 27,735 $ 34,826 $ — $ 34,826 Subscribers (useful life of 2 to 10 years) 7,312 (6,156) 1,156 7,312 (5,642) 1,670 Advertiser relationships (useful life of 2 to 13 years) 27,648 (16,886) 10,762 27,648 (15,002) 12,646 Trade names (useful life of 20 years) 15,100 (4,659) 10,441 15,100 (4,093) 11,007 Other (useful life of 1 to 20 years) 16,181 (9,358) 6,823 16,181 (7,165) 9,016 Total intangible assets $ 93,976 $ (37,059) $ 56,917 $ 101,067 $ (31,902) $ 69,165 Software (useful life of 2 to 10 years) $ 146,099 $ (127,365) $ 18,734 $ 140,727 $ (119,991) $ 20,736 (1) - Intangible assets not subject to amortization. Tribune reviews goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually on the first day of the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired, in accordance with ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.” For the first quarter of 2020, the Company identified the market effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as an economic indicator that an interim evaluation was required. Under ASC Topic 350, the impairment review of goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization must be based on estimated fair values. Impairment would occur when the carrying amount of a reporting unit with recorded goodwill or an individual masthead is greater than its fair value. The Company has determined that the reporting units at which goodwill will be evaluated are the eight newspaper media groups, TCA and BestReviews. Estimates of fair value include Level 3 inputs as they are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and are made at a specific point in time. Thus, changes in key assumptions from period to period could significantly affect the estimates of fair value. Significant assumptions used in the fair value estimates include projected revenues and related growth rates over time (for the first quarter 2020 impairment test, the perpetuity growth (decline) rates used ranged from (22.1)% to 2.4%), forecasted revenue growth rates (for the first quarter 2020 impairment test, forecasted revenue growth (decline) ranged from (29.0)% to 17.9%), projected operating cash flow margins, estimated tax rates, depreciation expense, capital expenditures, required working capital needs, and an appropriate risk-adjusted weighted-average cost of capital (for the first quarter 2020, the weighted average cost of capital used was 10.0% for print and ranged from 12.3% to 13.3% for digital properties). As of March 29, 2020, the Orlando Sentinel Media Group and the Sun Sentinel Media Group’s carrying values exceeded their fair values and the Company recorded non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The impairment charges resulted primarily from a decline in the fair value due to lower projected cash flows versus historical estimates. After these impairment charges, the calculated fair value of the Company’s reporting units with remaining goodwill balances exceeded their carrying values by at least 85.0%, except for the New York Daily News Media Group, which has a negative carrying value and goodwill of $1.4 million. As of September 27, 2020, the accumulated goodwill impairment charges to date are $18.8 million. For mastheads, the calculated fair value includes Level 3 inputs and was determined using the royalty savings method. The key assumptions used in the fair value estimates under the royalty savings method are revenue and market growth, royalty rates for newspaper mastheads (for first quarter 2020, the royalty rate used ranged from 0.8% to 4.9%), estimated tax rates, an appropriate risk-adjusted weighted-average cost of capital (for the first quarter 2020, the weighted average cost of capital used was 10.0% for print and ranged from 12.3% to 13.3% for digital properties). These assumptions reflect Tribune’s best estimates, but these items involve inherent uncertainties based on market conditions generally outside of Tribune’s control. For mastheads as of the measurement date, the calculated fair value exceeded the carrying value by more than 100% in all instances, except for the Sun Sentinel Media Group and the New York Daily News Media Group. As of March 29, 2020, the Sun Sentinel Media Group and the New York Daily News Media Group masthead carrying values exceeded their fair values and the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $6.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and newspaper mastheads during the nine months ended September 27, 2020, is as follows (in thousands) : Goodwill Newspaper mastheads Balance at December 29, 2019 $ 117,675 $ 34,826 Impairment (2,478) (7,091) Balance at September 27, 2020 $ 115,197 $ 27,735

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE 11: INCOME TAXES On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The CARES Act permits deferral of the payment of certain taxes due in 2020 including employer portion of social security tax. The Company elected to defer payment of the employer portion of social security tax. The CARES Act also included tax law changes such as net operating loss carryback changes and changes in depreciation of qualified improvement property that impact the Company. The Company will continue to assess the effect of the CARES Act and ongoing other government legislation related to COVID-19 that may be issued. The Company has early adopted ASU 2019-12 which eliminates the rule that limited the interim tax benefit to the tax benefit expected for the year. The adoption has no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements with the exception of the change in the interim period tax calculation, which resulted in the Company recording an additional interim tax benefit of $2.8 million and $11.1 million during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, respectively. Additionally, the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, includes a benefit from the CARES Act relating to the carryback of a loss to a period with a higher tax rate of $0.7 million and $1.7 million , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $0.9 million and $20.6 million, respectively, which includes the impact of the CARES Act and the early adoption of ASU 2019-12. The effective tax rate on pretax income was (11.2)% and 37.8% in the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, the rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal benefit, income from noncontrolling interest, tax expense related to vesting of stock compensation, non-deductible goodwill impairment and other nondeductible expenses. For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, the Company recorded an income tax expense related to continuing operations of $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The effective tax rate on pretax income was 6.5% and 0.8% in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, respectively. During the three months ended September 29, 2019, the Company recorded a discrete item which resulted in a tax benefit of $1.5 million relating to an adjustment in state tax expense for the treatment of the Nant Transaction gain for state apportionment in selected states. For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, the rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal benefit, income from non-controlling interest, tax expense related to vesting of stock compensation, and nondeductible expenses.

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMEN

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	NOTE 12: PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS Multiemployer Pension Plans The Company contributes to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension g $5.8 million to the Teamsters Local Union No. 727 Pension Fund (the “Teamsters Fund”), pursuant to its amended rehabilitation plan. The Company expects to contribute an additional $1.5 million during the remainder of 2020. These payments are expensed as the payments become due. In 2018, the Company’s last employee that was a member of the CWA/ITU Union at the Company’s Baltimore location retired. This retirement effected a partial withdrawal from the CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan. The partial withdrawal creates a liability for which the Company is required to pay quarterly installments over a 20-year period. The Company has accrued $1.0 million to reflect this obligation which is reflected in other long-term obligations in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. Defined Benefit Plans The Company is the sponsor of a single-employer defined benefit plan, the Daily News Retirement Plan (the “NYDN Pension Plan”). The NYDN Pension Plan provides benefits to certain current and former employees of the New York Daily News . As of March 31, 2018, future benefits under the NYDN Pension Plan were frozen and no new participants are permitted after that time. The Company contributed $2.5 million to the NYDN Pension Plan in the nine months ended September 27, 2020. The Company’s remaining required minimum contribution for 2020 is $0.1 million. The CARES Act allows companies to defer making the required minimum contributions until January 1, 2021. Should companies defer making contributions, such deferred contributions accrue interest from the original due date through the payment date. The Company has not deferred any contributions as permitted by the CARES Act. The components of net periodic benefit for the NYDN Pension Plan are as follows (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Interest cost $ 566 $ 878 $ 1,673 $ 2,637 Other income (expense), net Expected return on assets (946) (1,052) (2,838) (3,159) Other income (expense), net Net periodic benefit $ (380) $ (174) $ (1,165) $ (522) Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions The Company provides postretirement health care to retirees pursuant to a number of benefit plans. The plans are frozen for new non-union employees. There is some variation in the provisions of these plans, including different provisions for lifetime maximums, prescription drug coverage and certain other benefits. The components of net periodic benefit credit for the Company’s postretirement health care and life insurance plans are as follows (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Service Cost $ 4 $ 5 $ 11 $ 13 Compensation Interest cost 7 10 20 29 Other income (expense), net Amortization of prior service credits (31) (82) (97) (246) Other income (expense), net Amortization of actuarial gains 2 — 7 — Other income (expense), net Net periodic benefit $ (18) $ (67) $ (59) $ (204)

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	NOTE 13: NONCONTROLLING INTEREST The noncontrolling interest represents the 40% membership interest in BestReviews not owned by the Company. In connection with acquisition of BestReviews, the Company and the seller entered into an amended and restated limited liability company agreement of BestReviews (the “LLC Agreement”). Subject to the terms of the LLC Agreement, the Company had the right to purchase all (but not less than all) of the remaining 40% of the membership interests of BestReviews (the “Call Option”). In addition, the Company was entitled to exercise a one-time right to purchase 25% of the units of membership interest of BestReviews retained by the seller with terms identical to those applicable to the Call Option. The seller also had the right, beginning three years after closing date of the acquisition, to cause the Company to purchase all (but not less than all) of the remaining 40% of the membership interests of BestReviews (the “Put Option”) at a purchase price to be determined in the same manner as if the Call Option was exercised. In prior periods, the noncontrolling interest was presented between liabilities and stockholders’ equity within the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets because the Put Option described above could, upon exercise, have required the Company, under certain circumstances, to pay cash to purchase the noncontrolling interest. Each quarter, the carrying value of noncontrolling interest was adjusted to the amount the Company would have been required to pay the noncontrolling interest holders as if the Put Option had been exercised as of the balance sheet date, with an offsetting adjustment to stockholders’ equity. Adjustments to increase or decrease the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest also reduced or increased the amount of net income or loss attributable to Tribune common stockholders for purposes of determining both basic and diluted earnings per share. On February 3, 2020, the Company and the seller amended the LLC Agreement to, among other things, remove the Put Option and Call Option sections of the LLC Agreement. This amendment eliminated the requirement as of that date in fiscal 2020 and in future periods to adjust the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest to the amount the Company would be required to pay to acquire the noncontrolling interest. Additionally, due to elimination of the Put Option, the noncontrolling interest has been reclassified to the Stockholders’ Equity section of the consolidated balance sheet. During the nine months ended September 27, 2020 , the Company recorded a carrying value adjustment of $0.3 million related to the period prior to the amendment of the LLC Agreement. A summary of the activity with respect to noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 27, 2020, is as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 29, 2019 $ 63,501 Carrying value adjustment 322 Income attributable to noncontrolling interest 310 Reclassification of noncontrolling interest ("NCI") from temporary equity (64,133) Balance at September 27, 2020 $ — The income attributable to the noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 27, 2020, was $5.3 million with $0.3 million attributed to the noncontrolling interest before the February 3, 2020, amendment as presented above and $5.0 million attributed to the noncontrolling interest after the February 3, 2020, amendment as presented in the Consolidated Statement of Equity. During the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, BestReviews declared and paid dividends of $5.5 million and $24.5 million, respectively, to its stockholders. The Company’s portion of these dividends for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, were $3.3 million and $14.7 million, respectively. The noncontrolling interest’s portion for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, were $2.2 million and $9.8 million, respectively. These dividends are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Equity.

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE	NOTE 14: EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Tribune common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is similarly calculated, except that the calculation includes the dilutive effect of the assumed issuance of common shares under equity-based compensation plans, except where the inclusion of such common shares would have an anti-dilutive impact. In accordance with ASC 260-10-55, net income (loss) from continuing operations is the control number in determining whether potential common shares are dilutive. If there is net loss from continuing operations, all potential common shares are considered anti-dilutive. Basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three months ended Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Income (loss) - Numerator: Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 8,491 $ 6,873 $ (33,959) $ 7,503 Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest 1,824 1,150 5,316 3,037 Less: Noncontrolling interest carrying value adjustment — 14,853 322 14,853 Net income (loss) available to Tribune common stockholders, before discontinued operations 6,667 (9,130) (39,597) (10,387) Plus: Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes — (12,848) — (13,570) Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune common stockholders $ 6,667 $ (21,978) $ (39,597) $ (23,957) Shares - Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) 36,522 35,863 36,426 35,734 Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs 113 — — — Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) 36,635 35,863 36,426 35,734 Basic net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.18 $ (0.25) $ (1.09) $ (0.29) Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ — $ (0.36) $ — $ (0.38) Basic net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share $ 0.18 $ (0.61) $ (1.09) $ (0.67) Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.18 $ (0.25) $ (1.09) $ (0.29) Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ — $ (0.36) $ — $ (0.38) Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share $ 0.18 $ (0.61) $ (1.09) $ (0.67) The number of stock options that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts was 309,275 and 418,608 for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, respectively. The number of stock options that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts was 858,219 and 902,664 for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, respectively. The number of RSUs that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts was 718,007 and 679,524 for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, respectively. The number of RSUs that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts was 1,099,943 and 1,221,963 for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2019, respectively.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	NOTE 15: STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Dividends On February 19, 2020, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock outstanding. The cash dividend of $9.1 million was paid on March 16, 2020, to shareholders of record as of March 2, 2020. Additionally, the Company accrued dividend equivalents of $0.2 million for RSUs outstanding as of the record date. On May 8, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company suspended the Company's quarterly cash dividend program until further notice given the unprecedented economic disruption caused by COVID-19. This action, along with many other operational actions taken at the Company, will help preserve liquidity. The Board of Directors will continue to monitor liquidity needs and capital allocation in the future. Stock Repurchases On March 13, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized $25.0 million to be used for stock repurchases for 24 months from the date of authorization. No repurchases were made in the nine months ended September 27, 2020. Significant Shareholders Alden Funds Alden Global Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. and Alden Global Value Recovery Master Fund, L.P. (together, the “Alden Funds”) beneficially own 11,544,213 shares of Tribune common stock, which represented 31.6% of the outstanding shares of Tribune common stock as of September 27, 2020. During November 2019, the Alden Funds acquired 11,544,213 shares of the Company’s common stock. Of those shares, 9,071,529 shares were purchased from Merrick Media and Michael W. Ferro, previously the Company’s non-executive Chairman of the Board, in a private transaction and the remaining shares were purchased on the open market. On December 1, 2019, the Company entered into a Cooperation Agreement (“Cooperation Agreement”) with the Alden Funds pursuant to which the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) agreed to increase the size of the Board to eight directors and promptly appoint two designees from the Alden Funds (“Alden Designees”) as directors of the Company. Additionally, until June 30, 2020 (“Cooperation Period”), the size of the Board of Directors would not be increased above eight members. Among other provisions, the Cooperation Agreement further provides that during the Cooperation Period, the Alden Funds and their affiliates would be subject to customary standstill restrictions, including (among others) refraining from (i) acquiring securities of the Company if it would result in their ownership of more than 33.0% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, $0.01 par value; (ii) soliciting proxies to vote any securities of the Company; (iii) forming or participating in a “group” in connection with the Company’s voting securities or (iv) otherwise acting alone, or in concert with others, to seek to control or knowingly influence the management, the Board or policies of the Company (the “Standstill Restrictions”); provided that such prohibitions terminate if (a) a person or group that owns more than 15.0% of the issued and outstanding common stock (a “Related Party Investor”) (x) makes any proposal (other than a precatory proposal) at a meeting of the Company’s stockholders or otherwise acts alone, or in concert with others, to seek to control or knowingly influence the management, the Board or policies of the Company, (y) cooperates or otherwise acts in concert with the Board to nominate or elect a director that is proposed by, or is an employee or affiliate of, such Related Party Investor, or (z) acquires beneficial ownership of shares of common stock representing an additional 5.0% or more of the issued and outstanding common stock; (b) the Company enters into a material agreement with any Related Party Investor, other than on arms’ length terms (a “Related Party Agreement”) or alters, amends or modifies in any way a Related Party Agreement, other than on terms no less favorable to the Company than would be obtainable through arms’-length negotiations with a hypothetically similarly situated bona fide third-party; (c) the Company amends, waives or fails to enforce, the terms of any voting agreement or standstill agreement between the Company and a Related Party Investor other than such amendments or waivers that, taken as a whole, make the agreement more restrictive on the Related Party Investor or (d) the Alden Designees are not nominated for election at, or are not elected at, the Company’s 2020 annual stockholder meeting. During the Cooperation Period, the Alden Funds and their respective affiliates will vote their shares of common stock in favor of any of the Board’s director nominees and against the removal of any such directors. The Cooperation Agreement expired on June 30, 2020. On July 1, 2020, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement”) with the Alden Funds and Alden Global Capital LLC regarding the composition of the Board and related matters. The Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement provides that the Board of Directors of the Company will increase the size of the Board to seven directors and appoint Randall D. Smith to fill the resulting vacancy. The Board had been reduced to six members at the 2020 annual shareholders meeting when two of the Board members retired. Additionally, until the earlier of June 16, 2021 or the first business day following the Company’s 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be held on or before June 15, 2021 (the “Amended Cooperation Period”), the size of the Board of Directors will not be increased above seven members. The Amended and Restate Cooperation Agreement carried forward from the Cooperation Agreement the Standstill Restrictions, with certain changes to the termination provisions. The threshold for a person or group to become a Related Party Investor was lowered to ownership of more than 10.0% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, and the Standstill Restrictions will terminate only if (a) a Related Party Investor (x) submits a valid stockholders proposal (other than a precatory proposal) at a meeting of the Company’s stockholders or (y) submits a valid notice of nomination to nominate on or more persons for election to the Board at a meeting of the Company’s stockholders; (b) the Company enters into a material agreement with any Related Party Investor, other than a Related Party Agreement or alters, amends or modifies in any way a Related Party Agreement, other than on terms no less favorable to the Company than would be obtainable through arms’-length negotiations with a hypothetically similarly situated bona fide third-party; (c) the Company amends, waives or fails to enforce, the terms of any voting agreement or standstill agreement between the Company and a Related Party Investor other than such amendments or waivers that, taken as a whole, make the agreement more restrictive on the Related Party Investor; (d) any of Ms. Dana Goldsmith Needleman, Mr. Christopher Minnetian, Mr. Randall D. Smith and their successors designated by the Alden Funds are not nominated for election at, or are not elected at, the Company’s 2021 annual stockholder meeting; or (e) on the date that (1) the Company executes a definitive agreement providing for the acquisition of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock or a majority of the consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries or (2) is 10 business days after commencement of a tender offer that, if consummated, would result in the offeror acquiring a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock and the Board has not recommended against acceptance of such tender offer. The prohibitions described in clause (i) of the Standstill Restrictions above will also terminate on the date that any person or group, other than the Alden Funds and their affiliates, acquires beneficial ownership of shares of common stock that results in such person or group beneficially owning 30.0% or more of the Company’s then-outstanding shares of common stock. During the Amended Cooperation Period, the Alden Funds will (a) vote their shares of common stock in favor of any Company director or any nominee designated by the Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board and against the removal of any Company director and (b) not deposit any shares of common stock that they own or have the right to vote into a voting trust or subject them to a voting agreement or similar arrangement. Nant Capital, LLC Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a former director of the Company, together with Nant Capital, beneficially own 8,743,619 shares of Tribune common stock, which represented 23.9% of the outstanding shares of Tribune common stock as of September 27, 2020. California Capital Equity, LLC (“CalCap”) directly owns all of the equity interests of Nant Capital, and CalCap may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the shares held by Nant Capital. Dr. Soon-Shiong directly owns all of the equity interests of CalCap and may be deemed to beneficially own and share voting power and investment power with Nant Capital over all shares of Tribune common stock beneficially owned by Nant Capital. Under the Securities Purchase Agreement dated May 22, 2016, among the Company, Nant Capital and Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong (“Nant Purchase Agreement”), Nant Capital and Dr. Soon-Shiong and their respective affiliates are prohibited from transferring shares of the Company’s common stock if the transfer would result in a person beneficially owning more than 4.9% of the Company’s then-outstanding shares of common stock following the transfer, as well as transfers to a material competitor of the Company in any of the Company’s then-existing primary geographical markets. On January 17, 2019, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, NantMedia and Nant Capital entered into a Standstill and Voting Agreement (“Standstill Agreement”) with the Company. The Standstill Agreement provides that until June 30, 2020, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Nant Media, and Nant Capital would not (a) make or participate in any solicitation of proxies to vote, or seek to advise or knowingly influence any person with respect to the voting of any voting securities of the Company, (b) join or participate in a “group” (as defined in the rules of the SEC) in connection with any securities of the Company or (c) seek to control or knowingly influence the management, board of directors or policies of the Company. Furthermore, under the Standstill Agreement, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Nant Media and Nant Capital would, until June 30, 2020, vote their shares of common stock (a) in favor of each nominee or director designated by the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors at each election of directors and (b) in accordance with the Board’s recommendations on any change of control transaction involving the Company at or above a minimum purchase price. The Company recorded a charge to non-operating expense during the nine months ended September 29, 2019, for $0.5 million related to the Standstill Agreement. Rights Agreement On July 27, 2020, the Board of the Company declared a dividend of one preferred stock purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share of the Company. The dividend was payable on August 7, 2020, to holders of record as of the close of business on that date. The Board has adopted the Rights Agreement to reduce the likelihood that a potential acquirer would gain (or seek to influence or change) control of the Company through acquisitions from other stockholders, open market accumulation or other tactics without paying an appropriate premium for the Company’s shares. In general terms and subject to certain exceptions, it works by imposing a significant penalty upon any person or group (including a group of persons that are acting in concert with each other) that acquires 10.0% or more of the outstanding common stock of the Company without the approval of the Board. The Rights will expire on July 27, 2021, unless earlier exercised, exchanged, amended or redeemed. The Rights Agreement, which is described more fully in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 28, 2020, includes antidilution provisions designed to prevent efforts to diminish the effectiveness of the Rights.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	NOTE 16: ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the nine months ended September 27, 2020, where applicable (in thousands): Foreign Currency OPEB Pension Total Balance at December 29, 2019 $ (60) $ 42 $ (2,334) $ (2,352) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — (65) — (65) Foreign currency translation adjustments (20) — — (20) Balance at September 27, 2020 $ (80) $ (23) $ (2,334) $ (2,437) The following table presents the amounts and line items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) where adjustments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were recorded during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, and September 29, 2019 (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments: Amortization of prior service credits $ (31) $ (82) $ (97) $ (246) Other income, net Amortization of actuarial gains 2 — 7 — Other income, net Total before taxes (29) (82) (90) (246) Tax effect (8) (22) (25) (68) Income tax expense (benefit) Total reclassifications for the period $ (21) $ (60) $ (65) $ (178)

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	NOTE 17: CONTINGENCIES The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. The legal entities comprising our operations are defendants from time to time in actions for matters arising out of their business operations. In addition, the legal entities comprising our operations are involved from time to time as parties in various regulatory, environmental and other proceedings with governmental authorities and administrative agencies.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMAT

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	NOTE 18: SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Supplemental cash flow information for each of the periods presented is as follows (in thousands): Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 194 $ — Income taxes, net of refunds (8,383) 8,176 The Company established restricted cash to collateralize outstanding letters of credit related to workers’ compensation obligations. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as reported within the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets that sum to the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands): September 27, 2020 December 29, 2019 Cash $ 89,992 $ 60,963 Restricted cash 31,371 37,290 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 121,363 $ 98,253

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B_2

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Fiscal Periods	Fiscal Periods —The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December. Fiscal year 2020 ends on December 27, 2020, and fiscal year 2019 ended on December 29, 2019. Fiscal year 2020 and 2019 are 52-week years with 13 weeks in each quarter.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation —T he accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ( “ U.S. GAAP ”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Tribune as of September 27, 2020, and December 29, 2019, and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, and September 29, 2019, respectively, and the cash flows for the nine months ended September 27, 2020, and September 29, 2019, respectively. This includes all normal and recurring adjustments and elimination of intercompany transactions. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The Company assesses its operating segments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, “ Segment Reporting .” In the first quarter of 2020, the Company realigned its operations, combining the print and digital operations of its media groups together under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer, who is also the chief operating decision maker for Tribune, as defined in ASC Topic 280. As a result of the realignment, beginning in the first quarter of 2020, the Company no longer reports separate segment results for its print and digital operations. Prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2020, Tribune was managed by its chief operating decision maker as two segments, segment M and segment X.
New Accounting Standards	Accounting standards adopted in 2020 —In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets and requires the use of an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted this standard effective the beginning of fiscal year 2020 and the adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See Note 2 for additional information related to the expected credit losses. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Topic 740, Income Taxes , which simplifies accounting for income taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). ASU 2019-12 eliminates certain exceptions related to intraperiod tax allocation, the interim period tax calculation and deferred tax liabilities. ASU 2019-12 is applied prospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the standard effective the beginning of fiscal year 2020. See Note 11 for additional information related to the Company’s income taxes.
Expected Credit Losses	Tribune holds financial assets in the form of accounts receivable that are primarily generated from advertising revenues, certain circulation-related revenues and commercial print and delivery revenues, and are grouped as such. The accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts are analyzed under the expected credit losses method. Payment terms vary by revenue stream. Classified advertising and home delivery circulation terms are usually prepaid with advertising having
Revenue Recognition	Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods or services. Revenues are recognized as performance obligations are satisfied at either a point in time, such as when an advertisement is published, or over time, such as content licensing.

EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES (Tables)

EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Credit Loss [Abstract]
Summary of Accounts Receivable Allowances Activity	A summary of the activity with respect to the allowance for doubtful accounts for the nine months ended September 27, 2020, is as follows (in thousands) : Accounts receivable allowance balance at December 29, 2019 $ 9,674 Current period provision 4,585 Write offs (4,624) Sales adjustments, net (32) Accounts receivable allowance balance at September 27, 2020 $ 9,603
Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net	Accounts receivable, net, at September 27, 2020, and December 29, 2019 , consisted of the following (in thousands) : September 27, 2020 December 29, 2019 Accounts receivable $ 85,508 $ 122,428 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts 9,603 9,674 Accounts receivable, net $ 75,905 $ 112,754

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Summary of Lease Cost	Below is a summary of information related to the Company’s leases (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Lease Cost: Finance lease cost: Amortization of ROU assets $ — $ 78 $ 131 $ 235 Interest on lease liabilities 29 26 86 78 Operating lease cost 5,292 7,314 18,483 21,560 Short-term lease costs 1,286 113 1,629 692 Variable lease costs 1,567 1,833 4,750 5,403 Sublease income (741) (864) (2,171) (2,436) Total lease cost $ 7,433 $ 8,500 $ 22,908 $ 25,532
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Below is a summary of the supplemental cash flow information related to leases (in thousands): Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows used for operating leases $ 22,049 $ 22,289 Operating cash flows used for finance leases — 109 Financing cash flows used for finance leases $ 100 $ 305 ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 2,900 $ 2,930 Below is a summary of the weighted average remaining lease terms and weighted average discount rates related to leases for the nine months ended September 27, 2020: Weighted average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years) 0.3 years Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 5.5 years Weighted average discount rate - finance leases 5.75 % Weighted average discount rate - operating leases 4.69 %
Future Minimum Lease Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of the nine months ended September 27, 2020 , are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 2020, remaining $ 12,431 $ — $ 681 2021 27,570 6,949 2,217 2022 24,875 — 1,670 2023 15,166 — 1,629 2024 8,176 — — Thereafter 30,972 — — Total future lease payments 119,190 6,949 6,197 Less: Imputed interest 14,804 36 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 104,386 $ 6,913 $ 6,197
Future Minimum Lease Payments for Finance Leases	Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of the nine months ended September 27, 2020 , are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 2020, remaining $ 12,431 $ — $ 681 2021 27,570 6,949 2,217 2022 24,875 — 1,670 2023 15,166 — 1,629 2024 8,176 — — Thereafter 30,972 — — Total future lease payments 119,190 6,949 6,197 Less: Imputed interest 14,804 36 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 104,386 $ 6,913 $ 6,197
Future Minimum Lease Payments for Subleases	Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease arrangements having initial terms of one year or more as of the nine months ended September 27, 2020 , are as follows (in thousands) : Operating Leases Finance Leases Subleases 2020, remaining $ 12,431 $ — $ 681 2021 27,570 6,949 2,217 2022 24,875 — 1,670 2023 15,166 — 1,629 2024 8,176 — — Thereafter 30,972 — — Total future lease payments 119,190 6,949 6,197 Less: Imputed interest 14,804 36 — Net future minimum lease payments $ 104,386 $ 6,913 $ 6,197

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The Company’s revenues disaggregated by type of revenue is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Print $ 42,151 $ 71,387 $ 138,147 $ 227,054 Digital 15,432 21,831 50,013 66,484 Advertising 57,583 93,218 188,160 293,538 Print 75,594 82,992 233,907 254,482 Digital 12,736 7,606 31,690 20,562 Circulation 88,330 90,598 265,597 275,044 Commercial print & delivery 17,159 22,404 56,173 70,765 Direct mail 5,248 8,853 17,914 26,431 Content syndication and other 20,348 20,954 60,409 65,101 Other 42,755 52,211 134,496 162,297 Total operating revenues $ 188,668 $ 236,027 $ 588,253 $ 730,879

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS (Tables)

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Severance Accrual Activity	A summary of the activity with respect to the Company’s severance accrual for the nine months ended September 27, 2020, is as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 29, 2019 $ 2,580 Provision 26,244 Payments (19,602) Balance at September 27, 2020 $ 9,222

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summary of Transition Services Agreement Activity	A summary of the activity with respect to the TSA is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Accounts receivable from Nant Capital beginning balance $ 5,241 $ 8,967 $ 6,118 $ 17,909 Revenue for TSA services (182) 4,061 2,497 17,014 Reimbursable costs 581 9,123 27,863 38,801 Amounts received for TSA services (159) (5,467) (3,112) (17,870) Amounts received for reimbursable costs (4,014) (9,694) (32,312) (49,706) Amounts reimbursed to Nant for amounts collected from third parties under commingled revenue contracts 208 4,104 1,179 17,180 Amounts collected from third parties under commingled revenue contracts (1,020) (3,307) (1,578) (15,541) Accounts receivable balance from NantMedia at quarter end (1) $ 655 $ 7,787 $ 655 $ 7,787

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Inventories	Inventories at September 27, 2020, and December 29, 2019, consisted of the following (in thousands): September 27, 2020 December 29, 2019 Newsprint $ 2,682 $ 4,510 Supplies and other 374 310 Total inventories $ 3,056 $ 4,820

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets at September 27, 2020, and December 29, 2019, consisted of the following (in thousands): September 27, 2020 December 29, 2019 Gross Amount Accumulated Net Amount Gross Amount Accumulated Net Amount Goodwill $ 115,197 $ 115,197 $ 117,675 $ 117,675 Newspaper mastheads (1) $ 27,735 $ — $ 27,735 $ 34,826 $ — $ 34,826 Subscribers (useful life of 2 to 10 years) 7,312 (6,156) 1,156 7,312 (5,642) 1,670 Advertiser relationships (useful life of 2 to 13 years) 27,648 (16,886) 10,762 27,648 (15,002) 12,646 Trade names (useful life of 20 years) 15,100 (4,659) 10,441 15,100 (4,093) 11,007 Other (useful life of 1 to 20 years) 16,181 (9,358) 6,823 16,181 (7,165) 9,016 Total intangible assets $ 93,976 $ (37,059) $ 56,917 $ 101,067 $ (31,902) $ 69,165 Software (useful life of 2 to 10 years) $ 146,099 $ (127,365) $ 18,734 $ 140,727 $ (119,991) $ 20,736 (1) - Intangible assets not subject to amortization. The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and newspaper mastheads during the nine months ended September 27, 2020, is as follows (in thousands) : Goodwill Newspaper mastheads Balance at December 29, 2019 $ 117,675 $ 34,826 Impairment (2,478) (7,091) Balance at September 27, 2020 $ 115,197 $ 27,735

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_2

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit for NYDN Pension Plan	The components of net periodic benefit for the NYDN Pension Plan are as follows (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Interest cost $ 566 $ 878 $ 1,673 $ 2,637 Other income (expense), net Expected return on assets (946) (1,052) (2,838) (3,159) Other income (expense), net Net periodic benefit $ (380) $ (174) $ (1,165) $ (522)
Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Credit for Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Plans	The components of net periodic benefit credit for the Company’s postretirement health care and life insurance plans are as follows (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Service Cost $ 4 $ 5 $ 11 $ 13 Compensation Interest cost 7 10 20 29 Other income (expense), net Amortization of prior service credits (31) (82) (97) (246) Other income (expense), net Amortization of actuarial gains 2 — 7 — Other income (expense), net Net periodic benefit $ (18) $ (67) $ (59) $ (204)

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Tables

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest Activity	A summary of the activity with respect to noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 27, 2020, is as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 29, 2019 $ 63,501 Carrying value adjustment 322 Income attributable to noncontrolling interest 310 Reclassification of noncontrolling interest ("NCI") from temporary equity (64,133) Balance at September 27, 2020 $ —

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tabl

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	Basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three months ended Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Income (loss) - Numerator: Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 8,491 $ 6,873 $ (33,959) $ 7,503 Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest 1,824 1,150 5,316 3,037 Less: Noncontrolling interest carrying value adjustment — 14,853 322 14,853 Net income (loss) available to Tribune common stockholders, before discontinued operations 6,667 (9,130) (39,597) (10,387) Plus: Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes — (12,848) — (13,570) Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune common stockholders $ 6,667 $ (21,978) $ (39,597) $ (23,957) Shares - Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) 36,522 35,863 36,426 35,734 Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs 113 — — — Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) 36,635 35,863 36,426 35,734 Basic net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.18 $ (0.25) $ (1.09) $ (0.29) Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ — $ (0.36) $ — $ (0.38) Basic net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share $ 0.18 $ (0.61) $ (1.09) $ (0.67) Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.18 $ (0.25) $ (1.09) $ (0.29) Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ — $ (0.36) $ — $ (0.38) Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share $ 0.18 $ (0.61) $ (1.09) $ (0.67)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the nine months ended September 27, 2020, where applicable (in thousands): Foreign Currency OPEB Pension Total Balance at December 29, 2019 $ (60) $ 42 $ (2,334) $ (2,352) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — (65) — (65) Foreign currency translation adjustments (20) — — (20) Balance at September 27, 2020 $ (80) $ (23) $ (2,334) $ (2,437)
Schedule of Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents the amounts and line items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) where adjustments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were recorded during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2020, and September 29, 2019 (in thousands): Three months ended Nine months ended Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments: Amortization of prior service credits $ (31) $ (82) $ (97) $ (246) Other income, net Amortization of actuarial gains 2 — 7 — Other income, net Total before taxes (29) (82) (90) (246) Tax effect (8) (22) (25) (68) Income tax expense (benefit) Total reclassifications for the period $ (21) $ (60) $ (65) $ (178)

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM_2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental cash flow information for each of the periods presented is as follows (in thousands): Nine months ended September 27, 2020 September 29, 2019 Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 194 $ — Income taxes, net of refunds (8,383) 8,176
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as reported within the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets that sum to the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands): September 27, 2020 December 29, 2019 Cash $ 89,992 $ 60,963 Restricted cash 31,371 37,290 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 121,363 $ 98,253
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as reported within the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets that sum to the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands): September 27, 2020 December 29, 2019 Cash $ 89,992 $ 60,963 Restricted cash 31,371 37,290 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 121,363 $ 98,253

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B_3

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION - (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020market	Dec. 29, 2019numberOfSegments
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of markets | market	8
Number of reportable segments | numberOfSegments		2

EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES - (Detai

EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 27, 2020
Credit Loss [Abstract]
Accounts receivable balances outstanding, reserve percentage		100.00%
Credit loss expense (reversal)	$ 400	$ 4,585

EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES - Summar

EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES - Summary of Accounts Receivable Allowances Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 27, 2020
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Accounts receivable allowance balance at December 29, 2019		$ 9,674
Current period provision	$ 400	4,585
Write offs		(4,624)
Sales adjustments, net		(32)
Accounts receivable allowance balance at September 27, 2020	$ 9,603	$ 9,603

EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES - Schedu

EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES - Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2020	Dec. 29, 2019
Credit Loss [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	$ 85,508	$ 122,428
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	9,603	9,674
Accounts receivable, net	$ 75,905	$ 112,754

LEASES - (Details)

LEASES - (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020USD ($)ft²numberOfLeases	Sep. 27, 2020USD ($)ft²numberOfLeasesrenewal_option	Nov. 02, 2020
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Area of leased spaces | ft²		3,600,000
Sublease facility, square footage | ft²		100,000
Number of leases subject to lease restructuring, abatements and deferrals | numberOfLeases		13
Number of leases modified | numberOfLeases		14
Number of leases subject to lease termination | numberOfLeases		10
Termination fee | $		$ 26,244
Number of leases subject to lease abandonment and impairment | numberOfLeases	7	7
Impairment charge of lease assets | $	$ 4,900	$ 7,700
Subsequent Event
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Period of non-cancelable leases			2 years
Lease renewal term			2 years
Contract Termination
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Termination fee | $	$ 3,900	$ 4,300
Number of square feet subject to lease termination | ft²	207,514	247,426
Impairment charge of lease assets | $	$ 100	$ 4,300
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of sublease contract		2 years
Term extensions for leases in exchange for deferrals or abatements		3 months
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of sublease contract		10 years
Term extensions for leases in exchange for deferrals or abatements		36 months
Printing Plants
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Period of non-cancelable leases	10 years	10 years
Number of renewal options | renewal_option		2
Lease renewal term	10 years	10 years
Distribution Facilities
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Period of non-cancelable leases	5 years	5 years
Lease renewal term	5 years	5 years
Distribution Facilities | Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of renewal options | renewal_option		2
Distribution Facilities | Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of renewal options | renewal_option		3
Office Space | Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Period of non-cancelable leases	2 years	2 years
Office Space | Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Period of non-cancelable leases	13 years	13 years

LEASES - Summary of Lease Cost

LEASES - Summary of Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of ROU assets	$ 0	$ 78	$ 131	$ 235
Interest on lease liabilities	29	26	86	78
Operating lease cost	5,292	7,314	18,483	21,560
Short-term lease costs	1,286	113	1,629	692
Variable lease costs	1,567	1,833	4,750	5,403
Sublease income	(741)	(864)	(2,171)	(2,436)
Total lease cost	$ 7,433	$ 8,500	$ 22,908	$ 25,532

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used for operating leases	$ 22,049	$ 22,289
Operating cash flows used for finance leases	0	109
Financing cash flows used for finance leases	100	305
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 2,900	$ 2,930
Weighted average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years)	3 months 18 days
Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years)	5 years 6 months
Weighted average discount rate - finance leases	5.75%
Weighted average discount rate - operating leases	4.69%

LEASES - Future Minimum Lease P

LEASES - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2020USD ($)
Operating Leases
2020, remaining	$ 12,431
2021	27,570
2022	24,875
2023	15,166
2024	8,176
Thereafter	30,972
Total future lease payments	119,190
Less: Imputed interest	14,804
Net future minimum lease payments	104,386
Finance Leases
2020, remaining	0
2021	6,949
2022	0
2023	0
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total future lease payments	6,949
Less: Imputed interest	36
Net future minimum lease payments	6,913
Subleases
2020, remaining	681
2021	2,217
2022	1,670
2023	1,629
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total future lease payments	$ 6,197

REVENUE RECOGNITION - (Details)

REVENUE RECOGNITION - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Dec. 29, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Deferred revenue		$ 45.3
Contract liabilities recognized as revenue	$ 39.8

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Disaggreg

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 188,668	$ 236,027	$ 588,253	$ 730,879
Advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Operating revenues	57,583	93,218	188,160	293,538
Advertising | Print
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Operating revenues	42,151	71,387	138,147	227,054
Advertising | Digital
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Operating revenues	15,432	21,831	50,013	66,484
Circulation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Operating revenues	88,330	90,598	265,597	275,044
Circulation | Print
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Operating revenues	75,594	82,992	233,907	254,482
Circulation | Digital
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Operating revenues	12,736	7,606	31,690	20,562
Commercial print & delivery
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Operating revenues	17,159	22,404	56,173	70,765
Direct mail
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Operating revenues	5,248	8,853	17,914	26,431
Content syndication and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Operating revenues	20,348	20,954	60,409	65,101
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 42,755	$ 52,211	$ 134,496	$ 162,297

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - (Detail

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 02, 2020USD ($)ft²	Nov. 04, 2020USD ($)position	Dec. 27, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2020USD ($)position	Jun. 28, 2020position	Mar. 29, 2020position	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)position	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2020USD ($)position	Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)positionemployee	Jul. 23, 2019USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance charge									$ 26,244
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment									9,459	$ 0
Pre-tax gain on sale of property									5,060	$ 0
Amount of lease to be paid, year one				$ 27,570					27,570
Amount of lease to be paid, year two				$ 24,875					$ 24,875
Subsequent Event
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of square feet leased back | ft²	39,975
Amount of lease to be paid, year one	$ 200
Amount of lease to be paid, year two	$ 200
Initial lease term	2 years
Lease renewal term	2 years
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position				79					647
Severance charge				$ 3,200					$ 26,200
Employee Severance | 2020 Voluntary Severance Incentive Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position						199
Employee Severance | The Virginian-Pilot Printing and Packaging Outsourcing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position					141
Accelerated depreciation recognized				$ 2,200					4,500
Employee Severance | Hartford Courant Printing and Packaging Outsourcing | Subsequent Event
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position		148
Severance charge		$ 2,300
Employee Severance | Hartford Courant Printing and Packaging Outsourcing | Subsequent Event | Forecast
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation recognized			$ 1,200
Separation of Former CEO
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance charge									600
Employee Severance and Separation of Executives
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position							13			118
Severance charge							$ 900			$ 7,600
Employee Severance and Separation of Executives | 2018 Voluntary Severance Incentive Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | position										23
Separation of CEO and Executives
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance charge										$ 4,000
Stock based compensation for shares which would best during salary continuation period								$ 1,500
Other Restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment									9,000
Pre-tax gain on sale of property									$ 5,200
Other Restructuring | Subsequent Event
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	$ 4,900
Other Restructuring | Subsequent Event | Forecast
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain on sale of property			$ 1,300
Senior Executive | Separation of CEO and Executives
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reductions in staffing levels in operations | employee										2
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Sales price for sale of real estate property											$ 9,500
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Subsequent Event
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Sales price for sale of real estate property	$ 5,200

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Summary

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS - Summary of Severance Accrual Activity (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 2,580
Provision	26,244
Payments	(19,602)
Balance at end of period	$ 9,222

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 18, 2018
Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Adjustments to certain reserves related to indemnified liabilities	$ 17,800,000		$ 18,800,000
Tax expense (benefit) recorded related to discontinued operations	$ (4,900,000)		$ (5,200,000)
Income (loss) from operations		$ 0
California Properties | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price				$ 500,000,000
Post closing working capital payment				$ 9,700,000

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - (D

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - (Details)	Jun. 18, 2018
Transaction Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Transition services agreement, term	12 months

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Tr

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Transition Services Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Revenue for TSA services	$ 188,668	$ 236,027	$ 588,253	$ 730,879
Nant Media
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Charges which have been billed	700		700
Nant Media | Transaction Services Agreement
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Accounts receivable from Nant Capital beginning balance	5,241	8,967	6,118	17,909
Accounts receivable balance from NantMedia at quarter end	655	7,787	655	7,787
Nant Media | Revenue for TSA services
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Revenue for TSA services	(182)	4,061	2,497	17,014
Nant Media | Reimbursable costs
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Amount of related party transaction	581	9,123	27,863	38,801
Nant Media | Amounts received for TSA services
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Amount of related party transaction	(159)	(5,467)	(3,112)	(17,870)
Nant Media | Amounts received for reimbursable costs
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Amount of related party transaction	(4,014)	(9,694)	(32,312)	(49,706)
Nant Media | Amounts reimbursed to Nant for amounts collected from third parties under commingled revenue contracts
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Amount of related party transaction	208	4,104	1,179	17,180
Nant Media | Amounts collected from third parties under commingled revenue contracts
Summary of Activity in the Transition Services Agreement [Roll Forward]
Amount of related party transaction	$ (1,020)	$ (3,307)	$ (1,578)	$ (15,541)

INVENTORIES - Summary of Invent

INVENTORIES - Summary of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2020	Dec. 29, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Newsprint	$ 2,682	$ 4,510
Supplies and other	374	310
Total inventories	$ 3,056	$ 4,820

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Details)

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment charge related to property, plant and equipment	$ 16.1
Assets Leased to Others
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment charge related to property, plant and equipment	14.5
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment charge related to property, plant and equipment	$ 4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Summary of Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Dec. 29, 2019
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 115,197	$ 117,675
Newspaper mastheads	27,735	34,826
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	(37,059)	(31,902)
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Gross Amount	93,976	101,067
Net Amount	56,917	69,165
Software
Net Amount	18,734	20,736
Subscribers
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	7,312	7,312
Accumulated Amortization	(6,156)	(5,642)
Net Amount	$ 1,156	1,670
Subscribers | Minimum
Software
Useful life	2 years
Subscribers | Maximum
Software
Useful life	10 years
Advertiser relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	$ 27,648	27,648
Accumulated Amortization	(16,886)	(15,002)
Net Amount	$ 10,762	12,646
Advertiser relationships | Minimum
Software
Useful life	2 years
Advertiser relationships | Maximum
Software
Useful life	13 years
Tradenames
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	$ 15,100	15,100
Accumulated Amortization	(4,659)	(4,093)
Net Amount	$ 10,441	11,007
Software
Useful life	20 years
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	$ 16,181	16,181
Accumulated Amortization	(9,358)	(7,165)
Net Amount	$ 6,823	9,016
Other | Minimum
Software
Useful life	1 year
Other | Maximum
Software
Useful life	20 years
Software
Software
Gross Amount	$ 146,099	140,727
Accumulated Amortization	(127,365)	(119,991)
Net Amount	$ 18,734	$ 20,736
Software | Minimum
Software
Useful life	2 years
Software | Maximum
Software
Useful life	10 years

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_4

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 29, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2020	Sep. 27, 2020USD ($)newspaper_media_group	Dec. 29, 2019USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of newspaper media group | newspaper_media_group			8
Non-cash impairment charge			$ 2,478
Goodwill			115,197	$ 117,675
Accumulated goodwill impairment charges			18,800
Non-cash impairment charge			$ 7,091
Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Average of the Discounted Cash Flow Method and the Market Comparable Method [Member] | Print
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, measurement input	0.100	0.100
Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Royalty Savings Method | Print
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, measurement input	0.100	0.100
Minimum | Average of the Discounted Cash Flow Method and the Market Comparable Method [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Forecasted EBITDA margins		(29.00%)
Minimum | Royalty Savings Method
Goodwill [Line Items]
Royalty rate		0.80%
Minimum | Measurement Input, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate | Average of the Discounted Cash Flow Method and the Market Comparable Method [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, measurement input	(0.221)	(0.221)
Minimum | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Average of the Discounted Cash Flow Method and the Market Comparable Method [Member] | Digital
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, measurement input	0.123	0.123
Minimum | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Royalty Savings Method | Digital
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, measurement input	0.123	0.123
Maximum | Average of the Discounted Cash Flow Method and the Market Comparable Method [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Forecasted EBITDA margins		17.90%
Maximum | Royalty Savings Method
Goodwill [Line Items]
Royalty rate		4.90%
Maximum | Measurement Input, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate | Average of the Discounted Cash Flow Method and the Market Comparable Method [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, measurement input	0.024	0.024
Maximum | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Average of the Discounted Cash Flow Method and the Market Comparable Method [Member] | Digital
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, measurement input	0.133	0.133
Maximum | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Royalty Savings Method | Digital
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, measurement input	0.133	0.133
All Reporting Units Excluding New York Daily News Media Group
Goodwill [Line Items]
Percentage of fair value in excess of carrying amount			85.00%
New York Daily News Media Group
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 1,400
Non-cash impairment charge	$ 800
Orlando Sentinel Media Group
Goodwill [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge	1,300
Sun Sentinel Media Group
Goodwill [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge	1,100
Non-cash impairment charge	$ 6,300
All Reporting Units Excluding Sun Sentinel Media Group and New York Daily News Media Group | Royalty Savings Method | Newspaper Mastheads
Goodwill [Line Items]
Percentage of fair value in excess of carrying amount	100.00%	100.00%

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_5

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill and Newspaper Mastheads (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020USD ($)
Goodwill
Balance at December 29, 2019	$ 117,675
Impairment	(2,478)
Balance at September 27, 2020	115,197
Newspaper mastheads
Balance at December 29, 2019	34,826
Impairment	(7,091)
Balance at September 27, 2020	$ 27,735

INCOME TAXES - (Details)

INCOME TAXES - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (853)	$ 480	$ (20,619)	$ 63
Income tax benefit loss carryback from the CARES Act	$ 700		$ 1,700
Effective tax rate on pretax income, percent	(11.20%)	6.50%	37.80%	0.80%
Discrete income tax expense (benefit)		$ (1,500)
Accounting Standards Update 2019-12
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (2,800)		$ (11,100)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_3

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Multiemployer plan type	us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Teamsters Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions made by the Company to multiemployer pension plan	$ 5.8
Expected future contribution to multiemployer plan	$ 1.5
CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Multiemployer pension plan, payment period	20 years
Multiemployer pension plan, accumulated obligation	$ 1
NYDN Pension Plan | Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension contribution	2.5
Required minimum contributions for remainder of 2020	$ 0.1

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_4

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - Components of Defined Benefit Plan (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 566	$ 878	$ 1,673	$ 2,637
Expected return on assets	(946)	(1,052)	(2,838)	(3,159)
Net periodic benefit	$ (380)	$ (174)	$ (1,165)	$ (522)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM_5

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Credit for Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Plans (Details) - Other Postretirement Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service Cost	$ 4	$ 5	$ 11	$ 13
Interest cost	7	10	20	29
Amortization of prior service credits	(31)	(82)	(97)	(246)
Amortization of actuarial gains	2	0	7	0
Net periodic benefit	$ (18)	$ (67)	$ (59)	$ (204)

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST - (Deta

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Right to purchase membership units (percentage)			25.00%
Carrying value adjustment	$ 0	$ 14,853	$ 322	$ 14,853
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest			5,300
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest			310
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			5,000
Dividends declared	3,300		14,700
Noncontrolling shareholders' portion of dividends declared	$ 2,200		$ 9,800
BestReviews LLC
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	40.00%		40.00%
Dividends declared	$ 5,500		$ 24,500

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST - Nonco

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST - Noncontrolling Interest Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Mar. 29, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 29, 2019		$ 63,501		$ 63,501
Carrying value adjustment	$ 0		$ 14,853	322	$ 14,853
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest				310
Reclassification of noncontrolling interest ("NCI") from temporary equity		$ (64,133)		(64,133)
Balance at September 27, 2020	$ 0			$ 0

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - Bas

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Income (loss) - Numerator:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 8,491	$ 6,873	$ (33,959)	$ 7,503
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,824	1,150	5,316	3,037
Less: Noncontrolling interest carrying value adjustment	0	14,853	322	14,853
Net income (loss) available to Tribune common stockholders, before discontinued operations	6,667	(9,130)	(39,597)	(10,387)
Plus: Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	0	(12,848)	0	(13,570)
Net income (loss) attributable to Tribune common stockholders	$ 6,667	$ (21,978)	$ (39,597)	$ (23,957)
Shares - Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) (in shares)	36,522	35,863	36,426	35,734
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs (in shares)	113	0	0	0
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) (in shares)	36,635	35,863	36,426	35,734
Basic net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.25)	$ (1.09)	$ (0.29)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	(0.36)	0	(0.38)
Basic net income attributable to Tribune per common share (in dollars per share)	0.18	(0.61)	(1.09)	(0.67)
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Tribune per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.18	(0.25)	(1.09)	(0.29)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	(0.36)	0	(0.38)
Diluted net income attributable to Tribune per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.61)	$ (1.09)	$ (0.67)

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - (De

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE - (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Option
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS (in shares)	309,275	858,219	418,608	902,664
RSU
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS (in shares)	718,007	1,099,943	679,524	1,221,963

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - (Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - (Details)

Jul. 27, 2020numberOfPurchaseRights

Jul. 01, 2020numberOfBoardMembers

Jun. 30, 2020numberOfBoardMembers

Mar. 16, 2020USD ($)

Mar. 02, 2020USD ($)

Feb. 19, 2020$ / shares

May 22, 2016

Nov. 30, 2019shares

Sep. 27, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares

Mar. 29, 2020USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2020numberOfBoardMembers

Sep. 27, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares

Jun. 15, 2021numberOfBoardMembers

Dec. 29, 2019$ / shares

Sep. 29, 2019USD ($)

Mar. 13, 2019USD ($)

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Special cash dividend declared (in usd per share) | $ / shares

$ 0.25

Cash dividend paid | $

$ 9,100,000

$ (67,000)

$ 9,305,000

$ 55,755,000

Stock repurchase program, authorized amount | $

$ 25,000,000

Amount of stock repurchases made | $

$ 0

Number of board members

6

Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares

$ 0.01

$ 0.01

$ 0.01

Number of board members retired

2

Charge to non-operating expense | $

$ 500,000

Merrick Shares purchase agreement | Private Placement | Mr. Ferro | Beneficial Owner

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Beneficial ownership by related party, common shares owned (in shares) | shares

11,544,213

11,544,213

Beneficial ownership by related party, percentage of common stock owned

31.60%

31.60%

Number of shares issued (in shares) | shares

9,071,529

Acquisition of Shares by Adlen | Private Placement | Alden Funds | Affiliated Entity

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Number of shares issued (in shares) | shares

11,544,213

Cooperation Agreement

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Number of board members

8

Cooperation Agreement | Maximum

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Number of board members

8

Cooperation Agreement | Private Placement | Beneficial Owner

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Percentage of ownership of outstanding shares

33.00%

Maximum ownership percentage

15.00%

Additional percentage of outstanding shares

5.00%

Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Number of board members

7

Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement | Subsequent Event | Maximum

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Number of board members

7

Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement | Private Placement | Beneficial Owner | Subsequent Event

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Maximum ownership percentage

30.00%

Nant Rights Purchase Agreement | Private Placement | Beneficial Owner

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Maximum ownership percentage

4.90%

Nant Rights Purchase Agreement | Private Placement | Dr. Soon-Shiong | Beneficial Owner

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Beneficial ownership by related party, common shares owned (in shares) | shares

8,743,619

8,743,619

Beneficial ownership by related party, percentage of common stock owned

23.90%

23.90%

Rights Agreement | Beneficial Owner

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Dividends declared, number of preferred stock purchase rights | numberOfPurchaseRights

1

Rights Agreement | Private Placement | Beneficial Owner

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Percentage of ownership of outstanding shares

10.00%

RSU

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Accrued dividend equivalents for RSUs | $

$ 200,000

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			$ (65)
Foreign currency translation	$ (13)	$ (4)	(20)	$ (16)
Foreign Currency
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(60)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			0
Foreign currency translation			(20)
Balance at end of period	(80)		(80)
OPEB/Pension | Other Postretirement Plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			42
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			(65)
Foreign currency translation			0
Balance at end of period	(23)		(23)
OPEB/Pension | Pension Plan
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(2,334)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			0
Foreign currency translation			0
Balance at end of period	(2,334)		(2,334)
AOCI
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			(2,352)
Balance at end of period	$ (2,437)		$ (2,437)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_4

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - Reclassifications (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	$ 401	$ 248	$ 1,237	$ 265
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	7,638	7,353	(54,578)	7,566
Tax effect	(853)	480	(20,619)	63
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	8,491	6,873	(33,959)	7,503
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	(21)	(60)	(65)	(178)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of prior service credits
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	(31)	(82)	(97)	(246)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of actuarial gains
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other income (expense), net	2	0	7	0
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated defined benefit plans adjustment attributable to parent
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(29)	(82)	(90)	(246)
Tax effect	$ (8)	$ (22)	$ (25)	$ (68)

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM_3

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION - Summary of Supplemental Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$ 194	$ 0
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ (8,383)	$ 8,176

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM_4

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION - Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2020	Dec. 29, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash	$ 89,992	$ 60,963
Restricted cash	31,371	37,290
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$ 121,363	$ 98,253

Uncategorized Items - tpco-2020

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member